DEAR HARRIETTE: Several children in my neighborhood are graduating from high school or college this summer. I have been invited to about 10 parties. I am so happy for the families, and I know how proud they are.
I would like to celebrate with them, but I cannot afford to buy a gift for each of the graduates. My family's coffers have been stretched for a couple of years now. My husband lost his job and hasn't found work in 18 months, and my hours were cut back.
I'm sure that none of these families wants a sob story. I am not sure what to do. I don't want to seem like the person who either stayed away or who came and ate up their food without bringing a gift. -- Between a Rock, Shreveport, La.
DEAR BETWEEN A ROCK: Gifts don't have to cost money. If you actually know the young people who are graduating, take a few minutes to remember highlights of their growing-up years. Write each of them a note congratulating them on their success and wishing them all the best in the future. The more specific you can be about them and their lives, the more valuable the note will be. That can suffice, and you can attend the party knowing that you have contributed something memorable to the graduate.
Of course, you don't have to eat up all their food! What you will be coming for is to fete the graduate.
DEAR HARRIETTE: What do you do when your neighbor has no curtains at her windows and regularly walks around naked? I guess somebody may think this is sexy. Not me. This may sound terrible, but she's an older woman, like in her 60s, and I really don't want to see all of that.
I wish I lived in a building where I could change the windows. But, hey, I live in an apartment -- no can do.
Seriously, what can I do? I don't want to look out the window and see her. -- Blinded by the Sight, Staten Island, N.Y.
DEAR BLINDED: You might have a different opinion if the view outside your window was of a 20-year-old model. Yes, we should hold the same standards for all, but I do understand your dilemma.
Do YOU have curtains? While it may not seem fair, you may have to cover your own windows to protect your line of sight.
People need to realize that even if they live on upper floors in apartment buildings, there's a really good chance the neighbors can see inside their apartment. Having curtains is a sign of good manners. It shows people that you respect your privacy and theirs.